Mahotiere Village, Haiti
Mahotiere is a small village located in Kenscoff. It is situated in the mountains, south of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The population is between 800 and 1,200 people. There are no employment opportunities available in the community. Most of the residents in the region are uneducated, and without sufficient jobs. Food is very scarce; some families survive by their little private agricultural plots. Housing conditions are deplorable. The area has recently suffered from a landslide, in which many people lost their homes. The aftermath left many people living in tents or houses that are deemed hazardous. Moreover, there are no sanitation facilities, making the community susceptible to harmful bacteria in their living areas. In order to obtain water, they must travel three hours to a source that is polluted. Consuming contaminated water is a main cause of disease in the village. Running water proper housing, and sanitation facilities are desperately needed.
Our foundation provided funds for phase I of this community development project in September 2008. The funds provided for the construction of 20 homes, 20 sanitation blocks (latrines and showers), and 5 cisterns. As the homes were being constructed, the residents were overjoyed because they believed the homes were being built for wealthier families from Port-au-Prince who would then be able to employ them as domestic workers. When they learned that the homes were actually meant for them, they were stunned.
In phase II, Food for the Poor will construct 20 more homes/latrines and a community center to train families in health education, adult literacy, and vegetable gardening.
